The royal family is unusual in many respects, and punishing people by not allowing them to go to church is one of their oddities. Such a sorry fate potentially awaits Prince Andrew, with speculation rife that King Charles may distance himself from his brother on Christmas Day amid controversy that Andrew allegedly befriended a Chinese spy.

Prince Andrew should spend Christmas away from King Charles at Sandringham following the Chinese spy scandal, a royal expert has suggested. The Duke of York is set to join the rest of the Royal Family during the festive season at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, is under scrutiny over his relationship with a Chinese businessman, known as H6, who has been banned from the UK over spying concerns

Prince Andrew is being told to kept away from Royal Family Christmas celebrations as he battles scandal about his links to an alleged Chinese spy.

Prince Andrew could be banned from the Royal Family's public festive duties and miss the walk to church on Christmas morning amid the Chinese 'spy' drama

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, is due to attend the pre-Christmas party at Buckingham Palace this Thursday but, following the Chinese spy debacle, insiders say he should do "the gentlemanly thing"

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Arrangements for the royal family's traditional Christmas morning appearance are understood to be 'under discussion'

King Charles is reportedly frustrated by Prince Andrew's association with an alleged Chinese spy, impacting the monarchy's reputation. The Palace lacks authority to investigate Andrew's finances, including funds from Chinese donors for his Royal Lodge residence.

Businessman banned from Britain on security grounds believed to have also visited St James’s Palace and Windsor Castle